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>>People Oddities on screen >> Finding work for unusual actors part of the gig for conscientious talent agent by CHRIS BARRY
Bio: This vivacious and profoundly spiritual Hochelaga/Maisonneuve resident is the man to see should you be a film/television producer in the market for an actor with that little something extra. Representing “marginal people” with “special skills” like acrobats, fire-eaters, dwarves, midgets, giants, jugglers, stiltwalkers and identical twins, Adam can also boast of finding work for more people with physical deformities than any other agent in town. A former film extra himself, he developed his interest in show biz while living in Palm Springs and providing therapeutic massage to the stars. Returning to Montreal in 1986, he has been a full-time talent agent for the past seven years, and now claims a stable of over 2,000 artists, “although many of those people are just film extras.” He drives a BMW. Does he also work with traditional actors: Of course. Is he still recruiting “marginal” people to eventually place in films? Yes, but given how large his roster already is, they have to be “really marginal—or exceptional” for him to take them on for the moment. One type of performer that is difficult to find: Bearded women. “Women with beards don’t generally like to be photographed.” Does he get many calls from producers looking to hire dwarves or pinheads for sex roles? Not so much. “Years ago they used to use marginal people in roles like that so people could laugh at them. But you can’t really do that anymore, and anyway, I take care of my artists. I won’t allow them to be ridiculed.” One quality anybody who works with actors should have: Patience. “A lot, a lot, a lot of patience.” One thing he protects his artists from: The casting couch. Has he ever personally been tempted to lure some sultry “marginal person” onto the casting couch before getting them work? No, not yet. “But what has happened in the past is, I meet people who want to go with me because they think I can help them. But I am very careful about that. I’m a very good judge of whether people are phony or not. And I’m very direct. I’m not one to mince words.” Best part of the job: All of the amazing people he gets to meet. One reason why he doesn’t go out to see many films: Because it reminds him of work. How he unwinds: By going camping up in Chertsey, lying on his back, looking up at he stars, “feeling them,” and considering his place in the universe. Something else he really likes: Cuban cigars. Literary preferences: Newspapers. “I try to read as many of them as possible. I feel a strong need to be updated on absolutely everything.” Musical preferences: Classical. “All the famous composers, Mozart, Beethoven, I love Gregorian chants” Cologne: Diesel. Childhood ambition: To become a lawyer. Film preferences: Mafia films. “You know, like The Godfather series.” Favourite film of all time: Titanic. Television preferences: ET, Flash, “and all of the award shows.” Words of wisdom: “Be positive.” : |
Name:
Adam St-Coeur